I've been without a 1911 for two dark years now and I can't take it anymore. It's time to buy another one. I'm looking for a 5" model with a rail. The rail is a must because it will be used for work and I'm going to need a light attached to it. I've been looking to stay around 1k give or take a bit. So far I came up with:

Kimber TLE RL
Sig Sauer tactical operations
S&W 1911PD rail

All 3 are close enough in price. Out of the 3 choices which would you pick and why? I'm leaning more towards the sig but the slide design looks like it won't fit some holsters. I'm open to other suggestions you may have as long as they have a rail and are close to the 1k mark that I may have missed. Thanks in advance!

bac1023

01-21-2011, 21:25

I'd probably go with the Kimber, to be honest.

Nestor

01-21-2011, 21:26

From the ones that You listed I would take S&W any day.
Pretty clean record, but I'm a S&W guy, so I may be biased.

KK40384

01-21-2011, 21:30

From the ones that You listed I would take S&W any day.
Pretty clean record, but I'm a S&W guy, so I may be biased.

I keep hearing good things about them too but I had an older s&w 1911 a few years ago that couldn't go through an entire mag without a failure to feed even after several trips back to s&w to get "fixed". I'm convinced that not all of them are like that one but it still left a sour taste in my mouth and it's still in the back of my head.

Nestor

01-21-2011, 21:37

I keep hearing good things about them too but I had an older s&w 1911 a few years ago that couldn't go through an entire mag without a failure to feed even after several trips back to s&w to get "fixed". I'm convinced that not all of them are like that one but it still left a sour taste in my mouth and it's still in the back of my head.

Being You I would feel the same way I guess.
There is no other way than just give a try though, as You can find some very mixed reviews on pretty much every gun out there.
To be perfectly honest, out of this three You can't go wrong with any (as long as You won't experience another lemon).

SGT HATRED

01-21-2011, 21:38

My vote is for the Kimber

glock2740

01-21-2011, 21:41

Another vote for the Kimber. Especially the TLE.

KK40384

01-21-2011, 22:32

Also add the Kimber Tactical Entry RL to that list

Goldendog Redux

01-21-2011, 22:46

Of the three, Kimber without a doubt. And of those three in that price range I would get the Colt rail gun instead of the Kimber

Even on Gun Broke'em you can find them for under $1000. They have a black stainless version as well.

JSandi

01-22-2011, 02:48

If you're locked into the 3 you've listed then the Kimber without a doubt.

But I also say take a look at the Colt Rail Gun. :cool:

KK40384

01-22-2011, 13:13

The colt rail gun looks like a good option also. Only thing I don't like is that there no checkering on the front strap.

Nakanokalronin

01-22-2011, 13:31

The colt rail gun looks like a good option also. Only thing I don't like is that there no checkering on the front strap.

My only front strap checkered 1911 is a Kimber Eclipse. Its okay but not necessary IMO. I've never needed to adjust my grip on any 1911 without it nor has one ever tried to jump out of my hand. Just get some good grip panels and you'll be fine. I use regular old double diamond wood grips but VZ has some grips that are so grippy it will tear up your hand without gloves.

You could also maybe do some work and get some man hands which is in its own right, natural front strap checkering. :rofl: J/K on the last part of course. :supergrin:

It's not on the list nor is it exactly in the price range.. but still I feel that it is worth a look. http://www.stiguns.com/guns/DutyOne/DutyOne.php.. just another option..:wavey:

Not a fan of the bull barrel design.

KK40384

02-01-2011, 18:54

Actually I was was giving him two options...1) MC Operator or 2) LW Operator. :upeyes::tongueout:

Both good options. I'm looking around for a nice used one possibly

jrs93accord

02-01-2011, 19:07

I'd probably go with the Kimber, to be honest.

I am with you on this one.

youngAR

02-01-2011, 19:28

Of the listed, Kimber. It's got the internal extractor going for it. Though all of the listed do have the dreaded fps, which some don't have a problem with. I'd look at a Kimber Warrior or Springfield MC Operator.

KK40384

02-02-2011, 23:20

Of the listed, Kimber. It's got the internal extractor going for it. Though all of the listed do have the dreaded fps, which some don't have a problem with. I'd look at a Kimber Warrior or Springfield MC Operator.

The new S&W "E" series does not have it according to S&W

knedrgr

02-03-2011, 09:17

^ and it's FUGLY!

BuckyP

02-03-2011, 11:54

The new S&W "E" series does not have it according to S&W

Yes, I am looking forward to the S&W E series. I never thought I'd be into a Smith 1911, but have been shooting a friends lately and recently picked up a 9mm Pro Series. The only issue is that darn FPS. On mine, it is possible to hold the gun in such a way that the grip safety clears the trigger, but not the FPS, resulting in a very loud CLICK (no mark on the primer). This can (and will be soon) tuned as it should be the other way around.

den888

02-03-2011, 12:19

Kimber also

KK40384

02-03-2011, 15:00

^ and it's FUGLY!

To each their own I guess. I like the fact that its slightly different than all the other 1911's. Those serration are actually growing on me a bit